Auto Notes

BookFinder is a free service that scans an estimated 40 million books on any subject and connects searchers with a network of thousands of booksellers.

“Shoppers can order directly from the bookseller of their choice,” says Anirvan Chatterjee, founder of the service.

The young entrepreneur developed BookFinder.com in 1996 as a class project at the University of California at Berkeley.

Touting the value of his service to auto enthusiasts, Mr. Chatterjee says: “You may not be able to afford a vintage vehicle, but you can always read about it.”

Find out about giving a vehicle to charity

People wishing to donate a vehicle to charity for tax purposes can still do so, but with a lower limit on the value actually claimed.

Until June of last year, donors could cite the industry Blue Book value when giving a vehicle to charity. But the federal government tightened up its rules.

Now $500 is the most a donor can claim initially. If the charity sells the vehicle at auction for more money, it notifies the donor for tax purposes. Donated vehicles with a value of more than $5,000 require an independent appraisal.

Most important: Donors who want an income-tax deduction for a vehicle must get a validating receipt from the charity of their choice.

For more information, call the IRS at 800/829-3676 between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. weekdays or go online at www.irs.ustreas.gov. Search for “deducting vehicle donations.”

The government also provides A Donor’s Guide to Car Donations (IRS Publication 4303).

There are still plenty of organizations looking for donated vehicles. A list can be found on the Internet at America’s Car Donation Charity Center at wwwdonateacar.com.

• Mail items of interest to Auto Notes, care of Bill O’Brien, The Washington Times Copy Desk, 3600 New York Ave. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002. Or send items of interest via e-mail to bobrien@washingtontimes.com. The deadline is 5 p.m. on the Monday before the date of publication.

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